Landscaping Rules in Ontario, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Ontario, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
The City of Ontario's Weed & Refuse Abatement program requires that 'all brush must not exceed 6 inches in height' on vacant lots, enforced to prevent fire hazards. In parkways, Ontario Municipal Code Sec. 7-3.13 caps ground cover or shrubbery at eighteen (18) inches in height and bars dead, dying, or uncultivated vegetation under Sec. 7-3.12.
6-inch brush limit on lots; 18-inch parkway cover cap
Some RestrictionsCity of Ontario Weed & Refuse Abatement program standards
All brush must not exceed 6 inches in height. City staff conduct vacant lot inspections twice yearly during spring and fall, with possible additional inspections due to weather conditions. The purpose of the Weed and Refuse Abatement program is to prevent the fire hazards posed by overgrown weeds and the accumulation of combustible materials, as well as enhance the appearance of the City.
Tree Trimming
Ontario Municipal Code Sec. 7-3.13 makes the abutting property owner responsible for watering, trimming, and maintaining parkway vegetation, including trimming trees to a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet from grade. Planting or removing any parkway tree requires a City permit and must conform to the Master Plan of Parkway Trees; major pruning and tree surgery are handled by the City.
Parkway tree trimming and 8-foot clearance rule
Some RestrictionsOntario Municipal Code Sec. 7-3.13 (Landscaping parkways)
It shall be the responsibility of the owner, occupant, or person having charge or control of property to plant grass and/or groundcover, as well as to sufficiently water, trim, and otherwise maintain all vegetation within the abutting parkway, including trimming of trees to provide a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet from grade.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Private yard trees in Ontario can usually be removed without a city permit, but parkway street trees are city-owned and need a Public Works permit. Commercial landscape plan trees require plan revision.
Ontario Tree Removal Rules
Few RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Ontario Municipal Code Chapter 6-9 (Weeds and Refuse Abatement) declares it unlawful and a public nuisance for any property to allow weeds, rubbish, refuse, or dirt to exist on it (Sec. 6-9.02). The City defines weeds to include brush that becomes a fire menace when dry, and abates non-compliant lots at the owner's expense, with unpaid costs becoming a special assessment on the property tax bill.
Weeds and refuse declared a public nuisance
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Ontario Weed & Refuse Abatement program (implementing Ontario MC Sec. 6-9.02)
If after a second inspection the vacant lot is still not in compliance, a civil penalty, re-inspection fee, and a Notice of Intent to Abate will also be issued. Staff will then direct a City contractor to abate all weeds, rubbish, and/or refuse on the vacant lot. All costs associated with abatement of weeds and refuse will be assessed to the property owner. Failure to pay fines, penalties and a...
Water Restrictions
Ontario is in the Voluntary Conservation Stage of its Water Conservation Plan (Ontario Municipal Code Chapter 8A, sections 6-8.20 through 6-8.35). The City's WaterWise program asks residents to avoid watering lawns between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, prevent irrigation runoff, and stop hose-washing of paved surfaces; mandatory restrictions take effect only if the City Council declares a Stage 1 through Stage 6 shortage.
WaterWise outdoor watering rules (Voluntary Stage)
Some RestrictionsCity of Ontario WaterWise, Voluntary Conservation Stage measures (Ontario MC Sec. 6-8.25)
Avoid watering lawns, and the like, between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Prevent water from running off from landscaped areas due to incorrectly directed or maintained sprinklers or excessive watering. Avoid hose washing of sidewalks, driveways, and other parking/paved surfaces. Promptly repair leaks from indoor and outdoor plumbing fixtures. Cars and other vehicles should be washed by hand, rinsed wit...
Rainwater Harvesting
California's Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750) lets Ontario residents collect roof rainwater for outdoor use without a permit for simple barrels. Large cisterns and indoor use require plumbing permits.
Ontario Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia AB 1750 (2012), Rainwater Capture Act, Water Code §§ 10570-10574
AB-1750 Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. An act to amend Section 7027.5 of the Business and Professions Code, and to add Part 2.4 (commencing with Section 10570) to Division 6 of the Water Code, relating to water. This bill would enact the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, which would provide that use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit from the state board. PA...
Native Plants
Ontario enforces the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). New residential landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet water-budget, plant, and irrigation rules favoring natives and low-water species.
Ontario Native Plant and Landscape Rules
Some RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Ontario allows artificial turf at homes subject to drainage and zoning rules. Civil Code 4735 (AB 349) blocks HOA bans, and AB 1572 makes synthetic turf a compliant replacement for commercial non-functional turf.
Ontario Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code § 4735 (HOA Landscaping/Artificial Turf)
Civil Code - CIV. 4735. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, a provision of the governing documents or architectural or landscaping guidelines or policies shall be void and unenforceable if it does any of the following: (1) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of low water-using plants as a group or as a replacement of existing turf. (2) Prohibits, or inc...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ontario city rules.
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